“The council is focussed on working with the community and growing the local economy, and supporting events like the Oban Winter Festival with free off-street parking is just one of the ways we help local people.

“Winter festivals in our key towns are big draws and we are happy to help where we can. Obviously to keep our roads and car parks in good condition we have to charge for parking – that is a reality – but we are happy to waive those charges to support local events. We were also happy to approve a £300,000 allocation at our budget meeting in February to maintain festive lighting for this and the next two years, ensuring our towns remain lit up at Christmas time.”

Councillor Roddy McCuish, Chair of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee, said:

“This is great news – a real festive bonus to the town. People can come to Oban, park for free in the pay-and-display car parks, enjoy the festive activities, socialising and shopping.

“We know that in the current financial climate everyone is counting their pennies, especially in the run up to Christmas, and we want to make it as easy as possible for them to come into the town and enjoy what is on offer.”

Parking machines in the off-street car parks will be bagged-up on Friday 18th November for all off-street car parks and signs will be out to let people know.

This arrangement will be replicated in other towns to support their winter festivals.